Isaac Murphy (1799 - 1882)

Born 16 Oct 1799 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny, Pennsylvania, United States

Husband of Angelina Arminta (Lockhart) Murphy — married 31 Jul 1830 in Montgomery, Tennessee, United States

Descendants

Died 8 Sep 1882 at age 82 in Huntsville, Madison, Arkansas, United States

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Preceded by
Harris Flanagin

8th Governor of Arkansas
1864 - 1868

Succeeded by
Powell Clayton

Biography

Isaac Murphy is Notable.

Isaac Murphy served in the United States Civil War.
Enlisted: 1862
Mustered out: 1863
Side: USA
Regiment(s): Department of the Missouri, Union Army;Army of Arkansas

Isaac Murphy is notable for his multifaceted contributions to the development of Arkansas during the 19th century. A pioneer in education, law, and public service, Murphy played instrumental roles in establishing educational institutions, serving in various governmental positions, and advocating for fiscal responsibility during his tenure as governor. His steadfast opposition to secession amid rising tensions over slavery demonstrates his commitment to principle and moral courage. Furthermore, his involvement in early westward migration and participation in the California Gold Rush highlight his adventurous spirit and willingness to explore new frontiers. Murphy's legacy is a testament to his dedication to progress and his enduring impact on the state of Arkansas.^[1][2]

Isaac Murphy was born on October 16, 1799, in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, to Hugh and Jane (Williams) Murphy. Orphaned at a young age, Isaac's early life remains largely unknown. He pursued his education at Washington College and was admitted to the bar of Allegheny County on April 29, 1825.^[3][4][5][6]

Around 1830, Isaac relocated to Clarksville, Montgomery County, Tennessee, where he worked as a teacher and practiced law. He married Angelina Lockhart on July 31, 1830. In 1834, Isaac, along with his family, migrated westward to Fayetteville, Washington County, Arkansas Territory, settling on the raw frontier. Over the next two decades, he held various local public offices, including the Washington County treasurer. Additionally, in 1843, he helped found Far West Seminary, believed by some to be the state's first college.^[3][4][7]

Isaac's involvement in public service continued as he represented Washington County in the Arkansas General Assembly in 1846 and 1848. In approximately 1849, he joined Captain McCulloch's Company, one of the first groups to journey to the California goldfields. Despite not finding substantial wealth, he returned home a few years later.^[3][4]

In 1850, Isaac lived in Prairie Township, Washington County, Arkansas, practicing law privately.^[8] By 1854, he had moved to Huntsville, Madison County, Arkansas, where he and his daughters established the Female Seminary of Huntsville and other educational institutions. He also maintained his legal practice and served in the state Senate.^[3][4]

As tensions surrounding slavery heightened, Isaac found himself at odds with prevailing sentiments. In 1861, he was elected to the convention to address secession from the Union, being the only delegate to vote against it. Fearing reprisal, he fled Arkansas in 1862 and joined General Curtis's army in Missouri. He later participated in the capture of Little Rock in 1863. Subsequently, he was declared provisional governor and later elected to the position, serving from April 1864 to July 1868.^[3][4][9]

During his governorship, Isaac inherited a financially depleted state, but managed to restore fiscal stability. After his term, he resumed his legal career in Huntsville.^[3][4] In 1870, he lived in War Eagle Township, Madison County, Arkansas^[10], and continued practicing law. In 1880, he was back in Huntsville.^[11]

Isaac also had significant land and mining interests in northern Wisconsin and Michigan, and held substantial ownership in the Second Ward Bank and its branches in Little Rock.^[12]

Isaac Murphy passed away on September 8, 1882, in Huntsville, Arkansas, at the age of 82.^[12] He was laid to rest in the Huntsville Cemetery, leaving behind a legacy of public service and dedication to his community.^[13]

Sources

1. ↑ Wikipedia contributors. Isaac Murphy. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. December 16, 2023, 19:05 UTC. Available at: "Isaac Murphy." Accessed February 25, 2024.
2. ↑ Dougan, Michael B., Jonesboro, Arkansas, Encyclopedia of Arkansas, last updated on 20 Sep 2023. "Isaac Murphy (1799–1882). Accessed 25 Feb 2024.
3. ↑ ^{3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5} Governors of Arkansas (2nd) (c). N.p.: University of Arkansas Press, (n.d.). "Governors of Arkansas." Accessed 25 Feb 2024.
4. ↑ ^{4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5} Hempstead, Fay. Historical Review of Arkansas: Its Commerce, Industry and Modern Affairs. United States: Lewis publiching Company, 1911. "Historical Review of Arkansas - Its Commerce, Industry and Modern Affairs." Accessed 25 Feb 2024.
5. ↑ Hempstead, Fay. A Pictorial History of Arkansas: From Earliest Times to the Year 1890. United States: N. D. Thompson Publishing Company, 1890. "A Pictorial History of Arkansas - From the Earliest Times to Year 1890." Accessed 25 Feb 2024.
6. ↑ Pennsylvania, U.S., Wills and Probate Records, 1683-1993: Will Packets Or Files, 1789-1917; Author: Allegheny County (Pennsylvania). Register of Wills Ancestry Record 8802 #4603335
7. ↑ United States Census, 1840," FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XHBX-216 : 13 August 2017), Isaac Murphey, Prairie Township, Washington, Arkansas, United States; citing p. 282, NARA microfilm publication M704, (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), roll 20; FHL microfilm 2,474.
8. ↑ "United States Census, 1850," FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M674-WJ4 : 12 April 2016), Isaac Murphy, Prairie, Washington, Arkansas, United States; citing family 214, NARA microfilm publication M432 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.).
9. ↑ "United States Census, 1860", FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M875-L7P : 12 April 2016), Isaac Murphy, 1860.
10. ↑ "United States Census, 1870," FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MNCH-Q7B : 12 April 2016), Isaac Murphey, Arkansas, United States; citing p. 1, family 2, NARA microfilm publication M593 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.); FHL microfilm 545,557.
11. ↑ "United States Census, 1880," FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MNWX-41K : 12 August 2017), Isaac Murphy, Huntsville, Madison, Arkansas, United States; citing enumeration district ED 102, sheet 509A, NARA microfilm publication T9 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), roll 0050; FHL microfilm 1,254,050.
12. ↑ ^{12.0 12.1} "Obiturary for Isaac Murphy", Seymour Weekly Democrat, Seymour, Indiana, 14 Sep 1882, Thu. - Page 2. Newspapers Clip: 142099124, Accessed 25 Feb 2024.
13. ↑ Burial: Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/6861223/isaac-murphy: accessed February 25, 2024), memorial page for Isaac Murphy (16 Oct 1799–8 Sep 1882), Find A Grave: Memorial #6861223, citing Huntsville Cemetery, Huntsville, Madison County, Arkansas, USA; Maintained by Find a Grave.

See also:

• Wikidata: Item Q879985